The Height of Arrogance?

Anantara Resort Promises to Remove its Sixth Floor Roof Within 30 Days Following Visit by Government Zoning Enforcement Team.

(5/18/2008) As reported on Balidiscovery.com, Bali's new luxury Anantara Resort has run afoul of local zoning regulations by building a structure that exceeds the 15 meter maximum height restriction set forth in the Island's building code [See: Up on the Roof at the Anantara Resort]

Regional lawmakers (DPRD), angered at reports that the new hotel was guilty of a number of local violations, formed a special team of investigators to look into the height violation; complaints of disturbing the peace with amplified sound; insufficient parking; facilities that limit the economic opportunities of local residents; and a failure to obtain the required easements from adjoining properties.

A member of the legislative team, I Wayan Sudiana, told the Bali Post that the Governor should not hesitate to withdraw the operating license of the hotel in the face of numerous ongoing violations.

Following three formal warnings from zoning authorities and in the face of growing scrutiny from the local community and politicians, DenPost reports that the owners of the Anantara have finally relented and agree to remove its roof-top bar and restaurant whose roof measures 17.20 meters above the ground, a clear violation of the 15 meter height restriction. Following a visit by an enforcement team representing various government departments the owners of the Resort have asked for 30 days to bring their building into compliance with height restrictions.

Still to be addressed are complaints of sound pollution, insufficient parking facilities, suggestions that the building does not meet the 100 meter set back rule from the high-water mark and the owners failure to secure a "non-disturbance" waiver from its nearest neighbor the Sofitel Resort.